Tag: books

A Book Club Can Be Much More than Just about Books

by Pam Harris, "blind" writer

I do this a lot. I post a photo that has nothing to do with my topic of the day. I just thought this was pretty, a view of Sedona, Arizona, taken by my son when they were there this past summer. Sedona is beautiful. I highly recommend a visit.

Yesterday my small book club, consisting of six people, made our annual trip to Patti’s at Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Locals know the restaurant and area even if they’ve never been there. My lunch? Grilled chicken spinach salad with hot bacon dressing and one-half of Boatsinker’s Pie. It was very good, but really, the food wasn’t the main reason for the trip. It was the camaraderie.

We started out as a group of six, and we’ve kept the number to that. The original group consisted of three fellow teacher friends (all retired), a realtor who has lived in the same neighborhood as I do for over 30 years, and a younger mom of three whose husband was our church’s youth minister at the time. At first we rotated our meeting place each month, but that evolved into a regular spot at Blake’s (a popular local restaurant) the first Thursday of each month. Our youngest member took a full-time teaching job (we miss her, would have seven in our group if she were able to be with us!) and was replaced by the widow of our former principal at Dresden High School. We sit at the same table each month, and the staff knows us very well.

I have known all these women for over 30 years, and four of them for 40 years. If you can do math, you’re figuring out our ages, but that’s okay. I don’t mind sharing my age. Just don’t call me “sweetie” and treat me like my brain is on the level of a child. I can out-walk most of you much younger folks, I guarantee it.

Oops, there I go again, getting off-topic. If you read my blogs regularly, you know I do that a lot.

The way we do our book club is that each person has a turn choosing the book we’re going to read for the month. This is great because it forces us to read genres we might not read otherwise. There have been many times I started a book someone selected and would’ve put it down after a few chapters except for the fact I wanted to be able to participate in the discussion and honor my fellow member’s selection. And you know what? While there are definitely some books I would never read again, I found all of them interesting if not enjoyable.

I’m a strong believer in exploring new experiences and getting out of your comfort zone. I know some people just want to stick with what they know, but for me, that would be a very boring life. I am still curious about the world, and my brain is constantly thinking of ways to expand my horizons.

The books we read help to do that, but the group is so much more. Yes, we discuss the books, but we also talk about trips, grandchildren, health issues, family, and more. Yesterday the six of us rode in the same vehicle for the 72-mile trip to Patti’s, but due to the flow of conversations, the trip seemed much shorter. We had our own room (thank you, Mary Ellen), so we were not bothered by noise from other tables. We shared childhood stories, talked about some serious things, and laughed at other stories. And, oh, how we laughed. We always do, but yesterday I think we were almost giddy from all the food on the way back, and one story after another had us all laughing like school girls.

You see, being older doesn’t mean we don’t have a sense of humor. And no, alcohol was not involved. We were just being ourselves and enjoying the time together. In a way, it was like being in my twenties and thirties again. Kind of like when I’m with my high school best friends Terrie and Nancy, I’m a teen-ager again or a college student working at the local bank during breaks from college. With them, I’m not someone’s mom, someone’s teacher, someone’s wife. I’m just me. With my book club friends, it is similar, although I do have the added labels of “mom,” “teacher,” and “neighbor.”

I feel sorry for people who don’t have good friendships. I know some people are loners by. nature and have no desire to have a large circle of friends, but for me, the more the better. I love people. I may not like all people (well, I think maybe in my lifetime I can count maybe five people I dislike, and I will say that even those people I care about because they are God’s creatures just like all of us–it’s just that I’d rather not spend time with them), and I know I look at people through an innocent lens because I tend to think most people feel the same as I do about the world. I know, that’s a false assumption, but it’s just the way I think. At the age I am now, that’s not likely to change.

My life in retirement could be a fairly lonely one since I can’t drive anymore, and I’m beyond grateful for my friends and family I call my “Uber” drivers who pick me up for civic meetings, the wellness center, and other activities like a wedding or baby shower. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband who is my best friend in life, but even with that blessing, I need friendships. You may be the same way. My advice to anyone who can drive and is lonely is to look for groups to join or activities to do with others. Your church, your local library, a sports group like basketball or pickle ball, a quilting group, a painting class. All of those opportunities and more are available right here in my small town of 11,000, so I know small towns have options.

It may take a while to feel as though you fit in as you meet new people, but chances are you will eventually. Just remember you can always drop out if a year or so of meetings is not to your liking.

And, if all else fails, find a few friends to start a book club.

When we were at Blakes several months ago, “Southern Living” was there to take photos and interview people. A man came to our table and told us about a book club he was once a part of in Birmingham. That club, he said, was high end because they actually traveled to the place where the book was set to discuss the book! Can you imagine? I guess they never read A Gentleman in Moscow since travel there would be undesirable, but wouldn’t it be fun to read Jaws and discuss it at Martha’s Vineyard (or a book by Elon Hildebrand set there)?

Hmm…that gives me an idea. Maybe I need to pick a J.A. Jance book set in Sedona. Rent a house for all of us to stay in for a few days. See, my brain is spinning with ideas.

Happy holidays, everyone. And happy reading!

Traditional books vs. e-books vs audiobooks — the debate!

by Pam Harris, "blind" writer

“I just like to hold a book. There’s something about turn ing the page.”

I’ve heard that statement or a variation of it countless times over the past few years. I get it. I’m a book nerd from way back, and going into bookstores and libraries were not only a normal part of my life but also a special part. I never got tired of it, and seeing all the books available piqued my curiosity. I loved magazines as well, with their glossy pictures and interesting articles, and yes, when I was younger, I was into the Archie comic books.

So please understand, if you are one of those people resisting e-books and audiobooks, that I’m not criticizing you. I am, however, hoping to open your mind to new possibilities as I see them.

Remember when audiobooks were available on a CD, and you could get one at a Cracker Barrel restaurant, listen to it in the car while you traveled, and then turn it in at another Cracker Barrel? At least, that’s what my impression was. I never participated in that program, but when audiobooks became available to download on my phone, I jumped at the chance to listen to something besides the radio or a CD.

After all, I did, and do, love books much more than music. I like music, but to listen to it for hours at a time? Nah. Listen to book for several hours? Yep!

I listened to books on my commute back and forth to work and even listened while running errands in town. I listen to books now while walking my dog, putting in treadmill time, cleaning house, or resting at night before going to sleep. I can listen to books and fold laundry, cook meals, work on arts and crafts projects, and more. I don’t have to set aside time to sit down and read.

The narrators have gotten much better over the years, and many books have more than one narrator for each main character’s point of view. Have you ever read “A Gentleman in Moscow?” If so, you likely struggled with the Russian names. If you listen to the audiobook, that struggle is removed, and you can focus on the story, not the names.

Prior to audiobooks, though, I discovered e-books with the purchase of a Kindle reader. Yes, you had to purchase the books, which ranged in price from free (usually not the best books) to an average of $2.99 or so. They’re higher these days, but you can still find books on sale for very little. “I don’t want to spend money on books,” you say. “I just go to the library and check them out.”

Well, you can check out e-books AND audiobooks on an app through your local library. The one I use is called Libby. All you need is a valid library card. You download the app, find the name of your library, and enter your card number. Search for books by title or author, and narrow the search to e-books or audiobooks. You will have the book for two weeks. If you fail to initiate the return, the app will remove it automatically. I think there is a way to renew the book but can’t be sure. I haven’t used the app for quite some time because the vision loss prevents me from being able to read an e-book (unless it is on my iPad and purchased through Kindle–I can enlarge the font so much, there are only about ten words per screen, but since my reading speed is now about the same as a first or second grader, I can’t read an entire book).

For those considered low-vision, legally blind, or blind (remember only about 10to 15 percent of people considered to be blind have no light perception at all, the rest have some vision), an app called BARD is available. The patron must be certified by an appropriate agency or doctor to get access to the app, and audiobooks as well as Braille books (shipped from the Library for Accessible Media) are provided for free to the visually-impaired community.

Side note: the definition of legally blind is if you cannot see the large “E” with your better eye while wearing glasses or contact lenses, you are considered legally blind. If you CAN see the “E” while wearing glasses or contact lenses, no matter how bad your vision is without them, you are NOT legally blind.

To me, there are multiple advantage to e-books. You don’t have to store them. You can purchase them (Kindle app) and have them forever, or you can check them out on Libby. Less expense to purchase, and no need to run to the library to return a book. It’s all handled on your phone, reader, or tablet. If you find yourself struggling to read normal print, if you purchase the e-book, you can enlarge the print as much as you’d like. You can also switch it to dark mode meaning the background is black and the letters are white, so the screen doesn’t glare. You can adjust the brightness and contrast. Your book is always available, whether you’re sitting in a doctor’s office waiting room or sitting in the living room while your family watches something you don’t enjoy. Also, if you have Alexa and don’t mind the Alexa voice, she will read an e-book purchased on Kindle to you. Kind of a cheap audiobook, right?

I’m not suggesting that you switch to those formats and abandon paperback and hardback books. I am suggesting using those formats from time to time can give you more opportunities to indulge in your love of reading.

Believe me, I get the whole “I just want to hold the book.” There is something about seeing the printed word that is special to me. Whether it’s a newspaper, magazine, or book, there’s just something about the printed word that speaks to me. One of the hurts I have due to vision loss is my inability to read stories to my granddaughters, something I truly long to do. Maybe someday, though, they will be the ones reading to me, and we can enjoy books together that way.I realize I may not have convinced you to try other formats, and that’s okay. My goal was to open your mind to new possibilities. But whatever you decide, if you love to read as I do, know that we are kindred spirits.

Our local library–a gem for the community

by Pam Harris, "blind" writer

I love putting jigsaw puzzles together. I used to spend free time with a large plywood board on my lap assembling Thomas Kinkade and similar-themed puzzles. Many were the 1,000 piece sets. When I finished, I brushed them with puzzle glue, framed them with a poster frame, and used them as changeable décor in the bedrooms of our house.

Vision loss, obviously, took that away from me. But I did discover I could put together large piece puzzles using special lighting and devices. There aren’t many, and I’ve only found 100 piece or fewer puzzles. Because they are not as beautiful as the ones I once assembled, I have no desire to glue and frame them. So why buy one? Especially when I can go to our local library and check them out.

So far, I can only find the ones I need in the children’s department, but that’s okay. I have assembled beach scenes, Disney scenes, and the Noah’s ark pictured, and I’ve avoided the themes that don’t interest me like dinosaurs.

But isn’t it cool I can check them out then return them?

Like to decorate cakes? Our library has an assortment of cake pans so you don’t have to buy your own. Do family research in the genealogy room, use one of the study rooms for group study or tutoring, take your children to story time or any of the other programs offered for children, learn how to do things in the Make-it Space, record your own podcast, music, or video in the recording studio, let your children play with a light board, lLegos, and more. Teens can go to the teen room for video games. Attend free classes offered in the computer room or just use one of the multiple computers in the children’s and adult departments.

The library is a hub of community activity. It is open until 8:00 P.M. on Thursday nights. Last night there were four activities going on. An author of poetry doing a reading and answering questions in the Tennessee room. The Humanities group from the local university having selected students present their work. Another group meeting in the board room. And something going on in one of the rooms of the Event Center downstairs.

Let’s not forget the bookstore that sells used books, CD’s, and DVD’s along with old yearbooks. This is the area you can eat or drink while you read a book or just chat with friends. Vending machines, comfortable chairs, and chairs and tables provide a place to “just be.”

The large outdoor stage hosts everything from music to community-wide church services to plays. The Event Center is the location of countless civic group meetings, special celebrations such as anniversaries, prom, fund-raising dinners, and more.

For years, our town of around 11,000 had to rely on resources on the campus of the local university, but now we don’t have to do that. We have our own resource.

The library of the 21st Century is so much more than a place for books. It’s a place to gather. It’s a place for providing free services to meet the needs of the community. It’s a place for learning.

And for a book nerd like me, it’s a place that brings comfort. I can no longer read an actual book, but I have to admit I like to stroll the aisles and just touch the covers. Audiobooks are my only access to reading, and I’m grateful, but just as the former athlete finds the ballpark, gym, court, or stadium a familiar place that brings an indescribable feeling, that’s what a library or bookstore does for me.

Our local library. Your local library. Check it out. You may be surprised at what you find.

A review of Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir

by Pam Harris, "blind" writer

I copied this photo from images on the Internet. When I look at it, I see an innocent young girl who had no idea of the life ahead of her. I see what appears to be a loving family. I see a girl who should have everything she wants in life and happiness as a result.

But Lisa’s recently published memoir depicts anything but happiness.

Lisa began writing her memoir but struggled to put it together. About a month before she passed away, she asked her oldest child, Riley Keogh, to help her write it, thereby giving her access to Lisa’s recordings as she described her life, her relationships, her emotional struggles, and her addictions. Because she died before the book was completed, Riley took it upon herself to fill in the gaps and have it published.

The audiobook is structured with Lisa’s actual voice recording at the beginning of each chapter. Julia Roberts reads the part of the book from Lisa’s perspective. Riley reads her own writing. Each chapter contains all three perspectives.

It is obvious that Lisa loved her father and her children more than anyone else in her life. Elvis spoiled her and gave her total freedom at Graceland, and that freedom plus his strong love for her made him the favorite parent. When you find out what happened to her while under Priscilla’s care, it is easy to understand why she loved him the best.

She is open about her own insecurities. She hated fame and was an introvert. She felt unattractive, untalented, and unloved after her father died. Her involvement with scientology had a positive impact on her life, but it didn’t last. Her first husband, Danny Keogh, was the one constant in her adult life despite their divorce and her marriages to Michael Jackson, Nicholas Cage, and Michael Lockwood.

Riley talks about her brother Ben–how he was Lisa’s favorite, how the two had a special connection like Elvis did with his mother, how Ben took his own life. Riley describes how loving Lisa was as a mother, but she is honest about Lisa’s emotional struggles and addictions.

It’s obvious from the book that Lisa never got over losing her father at the age of nine. She carried that grief with her until she died, and I wonder about that. Today is the anniversary of my own father’s death 13 years ago, but I don’t grieve. I was very much a daddy’s girl myself, but I cherish the memories of times with my dad and rejoice that his sufferings have ended. I believe he is in a better place, and I believe I’ll see him again.

Lisa didn’t have that faith. Nor did she have a normal family life.

I often think people without a purpose are the most unhappy people on earth. They have all the money they. need and no reason to work for anything, so that leaves too much time and money so they become bored, indulge their every desire, and fall into unhealthy lifestyles and habits. This book is proof of my belief.

Riley provides a good balance to Lisa’s perspective, and the book shows the good, the bad, and the ugly of their lives.

The book is worth the read. There is some strong language in it, which I don’t appreciate because I’m offended by it, but I realize that for many in the world these days, that’s the normal way of talking. I don’t like it, but my desire to read the book overcame my dislike. If strong language bothers you to the point you don’t want to read anything containing it, don’t read it.

I won’t read it again. Once was enough. But I’m that way with most books.

The title of the book is From Here to the Great Unknown, words taken from the gospel song Elvis recorded “Where No One Stands Alone.” Despite his many weaknesses and arrested development, Elvis loved gospel music above all others. He found solace in it for his own struggles.

Lisa, it seems, found no solace anywhere.

What is your passion?

by Pam Harris, "blind" writer

I’m not talking about the passions common to many of us–our faith, our family, our friendships. I’m talking about the hobby that brings you the most joy and never fails to pique your interest.

For my brother, it was fishing, specifically bass fishing. For my husband, it’s sports, especially University of Tennessee sports, NFL Fantasy Football, NBA’s Boston Celtics, and MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates. For my friend and neighbor Ruth, it’s painting (and she’s very talented). For several men in our church, its’ golf.

“I can’t imagine being so obsessed by a hobby,” I told my husband one day. I wasn’t being critical. I was actually envious. What would it be like to be so enamored with a hobby you were guaranteed never to be bored because you always had something to do that interested you? I’ve been very open that retirement, for me, can be pretty boring, likely due to my circumstances, so I wanted to have that passion, that interest, that diversion from the routine of everyday life.

Today, though, while walking Draco, it hit me.

I do have a passion for something. It goes back to my childhood and is the one activity I never tire of, the one activity guaranteed to bring me entertainment. It makes me laugh, makes me cry, and makes me dream.

Reading. I’ve loved to read ever since I learned how.

When I was growing up, my parents ate breakfast earlier than I did because of my dad having to leave for work before I was up for the day, and I can remember eating my cereal while reading the cereal box. That’s right, I read the Cheerios box just to have something to read.

I was a regular at the local library, and the highlight of my school experience was when the teacher passed out the Scholastic magazines for us to order books. My parents were not the type to buy toys for me unless it was my birthday or Christmas, but they always allowed me to order a book through Scholastic. What a treat!

I read Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden books and every horse book I could find. I read the classics like Black Beauty and Beautiful Joe, and I read Little Women so many times, the cover was worn with use.

I graduated to more mature fare in my teens, and my author preferences have ranged from Janet Daily’s Calder series to Jeffery Archer and John Grisham. My current favorites are Kristin Hannah and Lisa Wingate, and my current favorite book is Horse by Geraldine Brooks. I’m in two book clubs, and what I love about them is I am forced to read books out of my usual genre, books I wouldn’t have read otherwise. Most of the time, I end up enjoying the book and resolve to be more diverse in my selections.

Unfortunately, I can’t hold a book and read it anymore, but fortunately there are other options. I can read e-books (only Kindle books) on my iPad with the font set as large as it will go. While this is manageable, it’s not ideal. There are about eight to 10 words per screen. Plus my reading speed is about like a second grader, so sometimes it’s just not worth the effort.

But audiobooks are available 24 hours a day and only a touch away. I have two apps on my iPad and phone. One is the Libby app through Tennessee Reads. All you need is a library card through your local library, and you can check out e-books and audiobooks as well as magazines. Because I’m considered to be blind, I also have Bard, a service for the blind that allows me to download audiobooks or have Braille books sent to my house, free of charge. Another trick I have learned is if I purchase an e-book on Kindle, Alexa will read the book to me. I can use some accessibility features like Voice Over on my phone also.

So do I have a hobby about which I’m passionate? Absolutely.

Reading, or in my case, listening to books. From the Bible to fiction to biographies to educational to magazines, my world is ever expanded beyond the confines of my home and my community. I can travel to places I’ll never go and visit past and future time periods. I can be a lawyer, a member of the French resistance during World War II, or deliver books on horseback to rural Appalachia during the Depression.

I could go on about the fun and benefits of reading, but this post is already too long. Please don’t misunderstand. As much as I love to read, I don’t want to listen to books all day. I still enjoy other activities and believe in the motto “variety is the spice of life.” But the one constant has always been reading.

What about you? What is your passion?